USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > Local sketches and legends pertaining to Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania > Part 9
USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Local sketches and legends pertaining to Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
As I have intimated, the people in this section are chiefly of German extraction, the descendants of those who originally settled about here between the years 1730 and 1760. Even at this day the German lan- guage is more spoken than the English. The foreign population among them is comparatively small. In their manners and customs they retain much of the simplicity of former times. Distinction arising from social position is as rarely practiced as it is known. The family and hired help invariably partake of the same meal. Industry is considered the only honor- able road to riches, and it is therefore not considered degrading for young men and women to be employed by others. False pride, therefore, like at too many places for the sake of appearances, rarely here fetters its victims with poverty and indolence. True, while their physical training has certainly not been neglect- ed, may we not hope that in the future the mind may be more improved.
Concerning Buckwampun there are a number of legends still preserved among its old families. One of these is that of the hoop snake. This was said to be a large gray snake, haunting near its summit, that
147
BUCKWAMPUN.
would take the extremity of its tail in its mouth and roll in the manner of a hoop with a speed equal to the fleetest horse. Occasionally, to show its power, it would direct its course towards a tree, when it would suddenly let go its tail, which was armed with a most formidable horn or sting, and let it strike into its de- voted trunk to the very socket, and then continue in its progress. Strange to say wherever dead' trees could be found standing over the hill, these identical holes would be hunted up and pointed out a few feet from the surface of the ground, where they had been thus pierced. Marvelous adventures with the hoop snake would sometimes be related by those who had been up here felling chestnut timber for rails, or by parties who had come to gather whortleberries.
The white hare was another mystical being. This was said to be a snow-white mountain hare, consider- ably larger than any common rabbit, which frequented a steep glen on the west side of the hill. Many a time was it related how the oldest and best marksmen of the neighborhood had tracked him up over the newly fallen snow and shot at him, but it was all in vain, as he led a charmed existence. Several persons related to me their adventures while in his pursuit. One re- peatedly declared that he never could be hit except by a silver bullet. Well do I remember how on one oc- casion, in company with four or five older boys, we set out over a light December snow to find the white hare. We started from near Bursonville, commencing at the foot of the glen and followed it up by the moun-
1
148
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
4
tain stream to the very source, where all traces of civilization were lost in the density of the forest. Though we did not meet with the slightest trace of the hare, yet one of our party regaled us while on the search with the most exciting accounts of him. I may add that that night I slept soundly, though I was not rewarded by the skin that was so generously promised me. But of all the fanciful legends that en- circle the lofty brow of Buckwampun give me that of the Elbedritches.
To those who have not read the author's "History of Bucks County," or his article on "Local Supersti- tions," published in the Collections of the Pennsylva- nia Historical Society, in 1853, it may be necessary for a better understanding to give in the beginning some explanation. In all my researches both in Eng- lish and German literature, I must confess I have been unable to find this word. It is evidently of German origin, and may probably have been derived from "elfen," which in the English means fairies. The word, as near as can be well arrived at, should be pro- nounced El-be-drit-ches. It is evidently founded on some superstition, probably of local origin, though afterwards practiced on the credulous as a joke.
A short mile from the summit of Buckwampun, and near the southwestern side of its base, stands a large and substantial stone house and barn, among the most commodious buildings in all that section. In the basement of that old farm house was an ample kitchen, on the south side of which was a huge fireplace, built
149
BUCKWAMPUN.
in those halcyon days when wood was plenty. Here, near the beginning of the present century our story opens. Near the close of October the sons and daughters of the proprietor had an apple cutting and apple butter boiling. The youth and beauty of the neighborhood were pretty well represented in that gathering. Much was said and done through that long night in the way of pastime. The chief of all wags and wits was there, a whole team in himself. This was George, the proprietor's eldest son; for several years a married man, who resided on an ad- jacent farm. He loved fun and the society of young folks, and they in return equally loved him, for his company was sought wherever amusement was de- sired. It was on this occasion when the short hours had pretty closely advanced, that he introduced with the most impenetrable gravity the subject of Elbedrit- ches. This from its novelty at once drew the atten- tion, of the company, especially of the more credulous, who listened in gaping astonishment at his marvelous disclosures respecting their origin, habits and haunts, also when captured, from their rarety, the fabulous prices their skins brought in market.
According to his account, with the occasional as- sistance of one or two others, it was finally arranged or rather understood that Elbedritches were small animals of various colors, sometimes white, sometimes brown or black, but often striped, and that their chief value consisted in the extraordinary beauty and fine- ness of their furs, which was to be obtained in the
1
40
150
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
greatest perfection only during the coldest weather of winter. It was further stated that they abounded only on the highest hill-tops and could only be captured on the coldest and windiest nights. To secure them it was necessary for several to hold a large sack or blanket, extended in such a manner that when started up or pursued could thus be easily caught. It was supposed with the first suitable occasion several dozen might at least be bagged. Before the breaking up of that company it was observed that some of the afore- said remarks had made an impression, from the anx- ious inquiries that had been made respecting them, and several freely expressed a willingness to try their hands at the business.
On an evening of the following December, at the same farm house and in that same kitchen, were as- sembled the whole household, with perhaps two or three exceptions as to the old folks, besides several visitors of the neighborhood. In one corner on a table at work was a journeyman tailor, who was a keen lover of jokes, and eyes looking full of mischief. Near by on a stool sat a travelling cobbler engaged in repairing shoes, a gullible, simple-minded fellow. In an opposite corner sitting over a spade was a stout German boy, who had been recently bought for his passage. He was busily shelling corn in a tub for mush and for the chickens in the morning. His name was Henry, and he was of an awkward, sluggish disposi- tion. Near the centre was a single woman, but for some time out of her teens, who was following her
151
BUCKWAMPUN.
regular profession. I mean spinning. In another corner a hired girl was ironing at a table. With these exceptions the rest were chiefly seated in a kind of a semi-circle in front of the huge fireplace, where a bright blazing fire of hickory afforded nearly light enough to illuminate the ample room. After all kinds of matter had been talked over, and the corner clock had for some time struck nine, who should enter but George, our wag. The moment the tailor observed him he said in the greatest glee, "You are the very man for us-now is the time to catch Elbedritches!" Thus the subject was at once introduced, and as may be well supposed there were some profound specula- tions as to the nature and character of these strange beings. However, before ten o'clock the evening's work had all been finished and the requisite prepara- tions made, when the party in the most buoyant spirits started for the summit of Buckwampun.
The night was clear and cold, and unusually windy. Every star in the deep blue firmament seemed visible, and to shine with more than ordinary lustre, as if to compensate for the moon's absence. A light crust of snow lay over the landscape, and materially contrib- uted to banish all ideas of gloominess. George and the tailor acted as pilots for the rest, and struck a bee line, crossing some three or four fields of gradual as- cent before they attained the bald open side of the summit.
While on the journey, Henry with true German thoughtfulness, related that with his share of the prize
.
5
1
152
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
money he meant to purchase himself a pocket knife and a pair of mittens ; the cobbler said that he should want a hat, a coat and some tobacco; the spinner and hired girl had each on the night of the apple-butter boiling fixed on a bonnet, surmounted with ostrich feathers and decorated with red and yellow ribbons, with ear and finger rings to correspond.
Our sanguine party at length attained the brow of the hill and found themselves in the centre of what might be called a common, extending over some ten or twelve acres of ground, with here and there an oc- casional patch of whortleberry or sweet fern bushes. George, business like, unfolded a blanket and station- ed one at each corner, giving explicit directions how they should stand, hold and use the same, so as to in- sure success. He and the tailor then started for the adjoining woods which more than half encircled them, to start up and drive to the blanket, as they said, these Elbedritches. It will at once appear that as soon as they reached the woods, by opposite and circuitous routes, they hastened home to see how long the party would stay to freeze over their credulity. Shortly after the tailor had left, though unknown to him, he started up a rabbit, which ran at full speed close by Henry and the cobbler, who both observed it, think- ing that they were already beginning to make their appearance.
As the four stood there with the extended blanket, the wind kept howling most dismally through the for- est, and by sudden fits would almost take them from
·
£
153
1
BUCKWAMPUN.
off their feet. They were, however, pretty well pro- vided against the cold, excepting Henry, whose hands began to suffer for want of the mittens; who, strange to say, had so ardently expected by this freezing to have them warm in the future. After waiting for about half an hour, and seeing neither Elbedritches, the tailor nor George, the hired girl and spinner declared they could stand it no longer, and therefore started for home. Henry, having now carefully wrapped his hands in one end of the blanket, began to feel more comfortable, and agreed with the cobbler to hold on yet awhile longer, encouraged by what they had seen with their own eyes. Here, then, on the bleak north- west summit of Buckwampun, in December's cold, with several inches of snow on the ground, and buf- feted by the howling tempest in the dreary hours of midnight, did our two heroes stand holding a blanket and waiting for Elbedritches. Would as their chron- icler I could give them immortality, for they certainly deserved it.
Near one o'clock Henry and the cobbler were com- pelled to succumb, half frozen and wofully disappoint- ed. As they entered the ample kitchen they found George and the tailor sitting before the blazing fire engaged in pleasant chat over a plate of apples and a mug of cider. The spinner and the hired girl had for some time previous retired sullenly to rest. Our men, who were in quite an agreeable mood, now expected a regular blowing up. But the contrary was rather the result, for Henry and the cobbler from a quarrel
1
1 54
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
had now got into an earnest discussion about a matter that turned out as novel as it proved unexpected. It appeared that just after they had started for home, and the cobbler being some twenty yards ahead, Henry saw something come from out the fern bushes close behind him, and observed it to be a handsome little animal, striped with black and white. He quickly took the blanket from under his arm and held it spread out with extended hands and rushed on the object, which in a twinkling he had covered over and rolled into a heap. He then called to the cobbler, telling him that he had certainly secured an Elbedritch. The cobbler in the greatest excitement hurried back, not knowing exactly what he meant, and seeing him point to the blanket, from his unbounded curiosity anxiously thrust his arm inside and part of his head, but as suddenly withdrew, venting curses loud and deep on the unfor- tunate German. Thus among the three the night was rendered still more hideous by stench, cursing and quarreling.
The blanket with its prisoner was reluctantly left behind, and in this plight of body and mind the two had entered the kitchen. George and the tailor were at last compelled to retreat from the effects, the former to his home and the other to his bed, thus leaving the two before the fire warmly discussing the differences between Elbedritches and skunks. The cobbler con- tended that they were entirely distinct, the former be- ing aerial or spiritual beings, with all the angelic graces and virtues, though in an animal's garb; while the lat-
r
155
BUCKWAMPUN.
ter were of the lowest origin, bent on the devil's er- rands, aided by one of the vilest compounds distilled in the lowermost regions. Henry, stupid as he was, firmly maintained his opinion. He instanced how well the description that had been given of one agreed with the other; besides, as neither was known in Germany, they must certainly be the same. As for the smell, whether it was a usual accompaniment he did not pre- tend to know, from having had no previous experi- ence; and as to its being of celestial, terrestrial or hel- lestial origin was more than he could understand. Thus the night wore on, and this learned discussion about Elbedritches came to a close as the two from the effects of their exposure went soundly asleep on the chairs before the hearth.
George's mother, a prudent old woman, could not easily forgive him for the loss of her blanket and the part he performed in the affair. To this day, if a stranger comes among the descendants of the old fan- ilies of that vicinity and asks about Elbedritches, he will observe a more knowing look and a smile, follow- ed probably by an explosion of good, honest; hearty laughter. Sometimes, too, when the cold and pierc- ing blasts of winter are whirling around the house, knocking away at doors and shutters, and rattling for ingress at the casement, the remark may be heard from more than one comfortable fireside that such a night would prove excellent for catching Elbedritches on Buckwampun.
.
1
Buckwampun Revisited.
In the preceding number I have given an account of this hill, with a brief mention of several of its unusually interesting legendary associations that linger even to this day among the descendants of its oldest families. In this vicinity I had spent a portion of my childhood and my ancestors had lived for several generations. Out of my devoted attachment to its memories I was thus induced to attempt its story fully quarter of a century ago. As the reader may well judge, these were all powerful incentives to endear me after so long an absence, when I had almost become a stranger, to revisit at leisure those scenes and note their present appearances. As a result, in the beautiful month of September, 1879, I started on this special object, and whatever of interest I set down in my journal on that occasion I propose now to furnish as additionally illus- trative of my subject.
As forty-two years had almost passed since my re- moval I could of course anticipate considerable change, but taken collectively less than what I had expected. To fully carry out my purpose I boarded for nearly a week at the hotel at Bursonville, where I found excel- lent accommodations. This place is about forty-five
157
BUCKWAMPUN REVISITED.
miles north of Philadelphia and nineteen from Doyles- town, containing a post office, store, and some four or five houses. To the summit of Buckwampun from here is not three-fourths of a mile in a northeast direction. It is still covered to its very top with forest on its north - ern and eastern slopes, which interferes somewhat with the prospect in that direction; but west and south the view is especially grand, the hills of Haycock, Bed- minster and Plumstead being traceable for many miles. The chief timber here is chestnut, so valuable for fenc- ing, for which purpose it is hauled as far as Plumstead- ville, over thirteen miles distant. Like in the days of my childhood, it is yet famous for the abundance of. chestnuts and whortleberries. Of the former I never saw trees so heavily laden, the limbs bending with their weight, and some from this cause actually broken off.
In the steep valley or glen on the western slope, and not far from the summit, in a small clearing resided Reuben Schmetzer, in as retired a situation as any one might fancy. At this romantic place fifty years ago lived Michael Barron with his aged mother, and which was so long their home. He was a great sportsman, giving nearly half the year to his favorite gunning. Many ruffed grouse or pheasants and raccoons did he obtain in his day in this vicinity, but which have now become scarce. He had also shot here several large northern hares, which become perfectly white in the winter. This animal, it has been supposed, did not ex . ist this far south. He had full faith in the numerous legends of this hill, and among the rest of the white
158
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
hare that could not be killed except by a silver bullet. He had several stories to relate of his pursuit of this animal and the frequent shots he made, but which all proved vain, and by which he knew it led a charmed' existence. He survived his mother several years, dy- ing about 1835. I can yet remember him well, being related to several of the most respectable and influen- tial families in the neighborhood.
Respecting the white hare, I have been desirous of knowing more and have lately made diligent inquiries from several intelligent descendants of early families around here whether this animal is still known, but without success. As to its having been found here down almost to half a century ago I do not question, from the character of my informants. It abounds in the Blue Mountains, but little over thirty miles distant. In my boyhood I have seen an abundance from there, with loads of venison, brought to the Philadelphia mar- ket for sale. In Audubon's "Quadrupeds of America" this animal is described as considerably larger than our common rabbit. During summer its color is stated to be a reddish-brown above, which changes to a white in winter. Its fur is longer, its eyes more prominent, the head shorter, and the ears set further back. Its hind legs are nearly twice the length of the fore ones, and the feet so thickly set with hairs as to greatly in- crease their size. This latter reason prevents their sinking in the snow, and hence they cannot at such times well be pursued by dogs. It is partial to high, wooded hills, particularly those abounding in ever-
1
159
BUCKWAMPUN REVISITED.
greens, as pines, hemlocks and cedars. The low grounds of the vicinity are only sought while the ground is frozen or the snows too deep for the purpose of secur- ing a more convenient and abundant supply of food.
The place where the sanguine party held the blan- ket on the brow of Buckwampun on that cold winter's night to catch those mysterious Elbedritches, I ob- served, was now an enclosed field and yielding a crop . of Indian corn. The farm house from whence they came was distinctly in view, not exceeding three- fourths of a mile from the summit in a southern direc- tion, between which intervened four fields. Several gigantic chestnut trees were still standing beside a line fence near this lofty spot, under which I had fre- quently gathered the nuts when a boy, as well as some of my kindred nearly a century ago, and ap- peared still thrifty. The commons had now all been converted into cultivated fields, and their boundaries extended somewhat into the adjacent woodlands, be- side which passed now a public road leading to Dur- ham. Through the scarcity of chestnut timber and its increased value, I have no doubt in consequence it will be long preserved on this rugged hill-top and its stony slopes. I could not leave here without tak- ing another glorious view of the surrounding country as I had so often done in childhood, and from its lux- uriantly growing sweet fern I brought away a fragrant sprig as a memento of my visit.
The old farm house where the party took place and the plot originated, has now been long owned by
£
I 60
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
Enos Beihn, whose wife Lydia inherited the property of one hundred and sixty acres from her father, Abra- ham Sliver, who had purchased it at a sheriff's sale in 1827 for $3,225, through a claim of only $562, which he held against it. It had been the estate of Jacob Fulmer, who erected on it the present extensive build- ings. He kept a store here at least as early as 1800, when he purchased the property containing three hundred and twenty-eight acres from the heirs of George Ruth, deceased, for £1500. It was bounded then by lands of David Burson, Isaac Burson, Henry Appleback, Jacob Barron, Henry Barnet, Michael Fackenthal, and others. From this he sold off a tract in 1818 to Henry Kressler, and later to others, that reduced it to the present size. Mr. Fulmer continued here at storekeeping down to within a year of the sheriff's sale. He was an enterprising man and did an ex- tensive business in connection with his farming opera- tions. He had a large family of sons and daughters. With some four or five I had a personal acquaintance. Tradition has it that their ambition caused him to be- come embarrassed.
Mr. Beihn and his wife from my long absence could not recognize me, being in advanced years. On mak- ing myself known they were gratified at seeing me here again. On informing them of my object, they highly appreciated my motives and desired me to become their guest and here feel at home once more, which offer I cheerfully accepted for nearly two days. I may add that my father, as Mr. Fulmer's successor,
1
161
BUCKWAMPUN REVISITED.
kept store here from 1826 to 1830, and resided here again in 1836, hence my early acquaintance. I had the gratification likewise of eating here a variety of apples and pears from the trees of my childhood, and I thought I could recognize the flavor of yore. They were all remarkably full of fruit, and a huge vine on a walnut tree near the large two-story stone spring house, might have filled several barrels with fox grapes. Adjacent the several springs of water here, an abundance of Indian darts have been found, of which I presented a collection in 1856 to the library at Hatboro.
Desiring to know the extent of some of the build- ings, the house was ascertained to be thirty by sixty feet and all of two stories high. The basement kitchen spoken of was twenty-seven feet square and the fireplace about five by ten feet. In consequence of the southern end wall giving away, it became ne- cessary several years ago to have it taken down, when the building was shortened some ten or twelve feet, which led to the demolition of the huge old hearth. The barn was built before 1810, and probably at its erection was among the largest in the county. It was found to be thirty-six by sixty-six feet, with two threshing floors, and in front about thirty-four feet to the roof. Mr. Beihn in 1842 had it recovered at a cost of considerably over three hundred dollars. The original shingles had been cedar secured with hand- made nails. To me this grand old farm has been at- tractive and will always be regarded with interest.
1
162
SKETCHES AND LEGENDS.
Jacob Fulmer was the owner and occupant of the aforesaid place when the attempt was made to catch the Elbedritches. . George, his eldest son, a noted wag and the prime instigator thereof, resided on an adjoining farm belonging also to his father, on the southwest slope of the hill, and afterwards so long owned by the late John O. Campbell. During butchering time he was one of the most popular hands, for which purpose by the neighboring farmers he was much sought after. On these long nights, while en- gaged in the making of sausage and scrapple, he would keep the house in an uproar by his inexhaust- able humor. As no machinery had yet been invented for mincing the meat, it was his general practice to perform the operation with an axe in each hand with unusual expedition, keeping time to some favorite tune he might be either singing or whistling, as "Pease upon a Trencher." He died about 18.39, his father and mother having preceded him but a few years at an advanced age.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.